(4) The Cabin

This is the cabin.  It is a vintage 1950s travel trailer.  Over the past two years I completely rebuilt the entire trailer.  In the coming spring I will further rebuild by removing the outer aluminum sides and roof.  I will add new framework to support a solid roof and deeper walls which will accomidate more insulation.  I will add new windows.  I currently heat with a Mr Heater "Buddy".  A propane heater which works well but with so much free wood all around me, well, I will build a wood stove based on the model you can see on the You Tube video linked to this site.  That will be another Spring project.  For lighting I have two standard kerosene lamps and one Alladin lamp.  I also use candle votives which I refill myself as needed.   I use only 00 kerosene as it has the fewest impurities and has very little smell.  For water I haul in my drinking water and fill the three gallon crock you can see in the picture.  All other water ie: showering, watering plants,etc. is kept in a fifty gallon barrel which I have on a small tower.   My toilet is the simple five gallon plastic composter which will be housed in its new location this spring complete with half moon cutout.  I have done some simple landscaping with stones, paths and flowers.  I have a small firepit outside to enjoy at night.  The cabin is situated on eighty acres in Northern Wisconsin.  The land belongs to my brother but has generously allowed me to use.  On the property is a small pond less than an acre and we have approximately four miles of walking trails to enjoy.  The deer seem to enjoy them as well as many tracks follow.  The interior of the cabin is panneled with Knotty Pine walls and Birch Hardwood ply ceiling.  I built all cabinets and shelves mostly with recycled materials.  Actually, I have used and still use when I can, recycled materials.  The current windows came from my grandmothers old mobile home and will be replaced with wood sash windows that will open to the inside.  I have a small generator that I use to power tools when needed.  My cooking stove is a single burner Coleman propane.  Currently I spend a couple of days a week at the cabin but hope to move in full time.  I have photographed many animals and birds here and there are several that come around regularly for a treat.  The cabin interior is aproximately seven by twelve feet.  This may sound small but I lived aboard sailboats for twenty years, many, with less living space.  I am used to small space living and feel any more would be a waste.  All of those years aboard small sailboats taught me how to be frugal and to live simply with less while still being quite happy.  There is a very rough road (path) I am able to drive to get to the cabin but in winter I will have to pack in.